The Battle 4 Atlantis Ohio State is set take part in early on in the 2020-21 basketball season already looks much different than it did when the Buckeyes committed to the tournament in paradise. The COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in tournament organizers moving venues to the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
And now, one of the preeminent teams of the event appears to be bowing out, and is being replaced by another program. According to basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Duke is being replaced in the field by Dayton. No reason is yet given for the Blue Devils need to exit the tournament, but we’re sure Flyer fans are excited about getting to be a part of a gathering that has West Virginia, Creighton, Memphis, Utah, Wichita State, Texas A&M, and yes — Ohio State.
It’s intriguing because the OSU program has historically been hesitant to play in-state schools, particularly the other three power programs in the state, Cincinnati, Xavier, and Dayton.
Source: Dayton is headed to Sioux Falls to replace Duke at the Sanford Pentagon. Rest of field includes West Virginia, Ohio State, Creighton, Memphis, Utah, Wichita State, and Texas A&M.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 3, 2020
And even though that has changed significantly since Holtmann has taken over as head coach with two games against Cincinnati, you can bet Flyer fans would love to get another shot at big boy Ohio State. Likewise, the Buckeyes would like nothing more than to have another shot at beating Dayton who knocked them out of the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
Remember this Ohio State fans?
PhD-level trolling. RT @Sean__Reed: Dayton newspaper needling "The" Ohio State today. pic.twitter.com/QCk02gWIwQ
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) March 21, 2014
If both Dayton and Ohio State do end up meeting, it might just be billed as the Battle 4 Ohio out in South Dakota.
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